David Adjaye: Ghanaian architect praised by Akufo-Addo, Obama, others on historic architecture award
- The architect is the first Black person to win such a prestigious architecture award
- David Adjaye was presented with a Royal Gold Medal for Architecture
- It is the first medal to be presented to a Black person since the event kicked off years ago
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Ghanaian-British architect, David Adjaye has been praised by a number of high-profile personalities including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Barack Obama on his historic Architecture award.
Adjaye cemented his name in the history books as the first Black person to receive the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture. He was honoured with the award in London on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, during a virtual event streamed to a global audience.
The awards event is organised annually by the Royal Institute of British Architects on behalf of the British monarch.
"This is in recognition of an individual or group's substantial contribution to international architecture," a statement said.
This year's edition of the event is its 173rd.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Iain Walker, presented the medal to Adjaye on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.
During his acceptance speech, Adjaye said he is humbled and honoured to have his work recognised after contributing "to the field over the past 25 years."
He further thanked everyone who has supported him throughout his career. The architect indicated their support led him to gain recognition and be honoured.
Barack Obama, the former United States President referred to Adjaye as a "genius," and President Akufo-Addo stated how proud he is of the work done by Adjaye.
In other news about Ghanaians making the country proud, Gyakie has expressed her pleasant surprise at being introduced by African music legend, Angelique Kidjo prior to her MTV Base YouTube African Day Concert performance.
As YEN.com.gh reported on Monday, May 25, 2021, the Forever crooner was the only Ghanaian artiste to perform at the Idris Elba-hosted virtual event which was streamed to a global audience on YouTube and broadcast across MTV channels.
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"It is my honour to introduce you to a young woman from Ghana whose talents and infectious energy is undeniable," Kidjo said in her introduction.
"She has already captured the continent's heart with her hit track forever, and we know she is destined to represent Ghana and Africa globally in the months and years to come. Please help me welcome to the Africa Day stage, Gyakie."
An excited Gyakie posted a video of the introduction online with the caption: "What a time to be alive."
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Source: YEN.com.gh
